L: Motor tics: flinging my arms to the side, blinking my eyes, kicking my right leg, dragging my foot, sucking in my throat, twisting my body, moving my neck in horizontal movement (right shoulder to the left one but in the air), and stretching my nose to the left.

Vocal tics: sniffing, coughing, throat clearing

B: What is life like for you living with Tourette Syndrome?

L: Life with Tourette Syndrome can be difficult at times. Sometimes things are harder for me to accomplish. I am on the varsity wrestling team and others strategically use my TS against me sometimes. When I blink, they attack. Tests are also usually very difficult for me to do because when anxiety and nervousness increase so do the tics. But why should I let my TS stop me from enjoying myself and succeeding in life?

B: What advice can you give other kids who are newly diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome?

L: From this point on, Tourettes will be a part of who you are. Embrace Tourettes and try to think of Tourettes as a gift instead of a curse. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it. Everything happens for a reason. Don’t let others make fun of you just because you are different. Be confident and accept who you are.

B: What is the hardest thing about living with Tourette Syndrome?

L: At the moment, the constant explanation about what Tourettes Syndrome is. Every time I go somewhere, there is always at least 1 person who asks me what I am doing with my neck. It becomes very annoying very fast. When I was younger though, it was the fact that I was being bullied, rumors that I was crazy, and parents not allowing their children to play with me just because I was a little different.

B: What do you think other people should know about Tourette Syndrome?

L: That Tourettes is involuntary. No matter how much we want to control it we can’t. Understand that tics are more annoying and painful for me than you can ever imagine. If I could completely stop them I would. But I can’t! It is not in my control and there is nothing I can do to completely stop it.

L: I have discovered wrestling and I love it. I like to bicycle about 30 miles on the weekends. I play hockey, go to my AZA/BBYO meetings and events, snow ski, create websites, help spread the word about TS, make friends, develop and play video games, sleep, play piano, laser tag, basketball, hike, swim, and hanging out with friends.

B: What are your goals in life?

L: My goal in life is to develop and run a successful business that revolves around helping others with disabilities, disorders, and addictions. I have already started a business called Definite Possibilities. Our site is http://www.DefinitePossibilities.com. It is a place where people with disabilities, disorders, and addictions can go and socialize with each other.